Revision as of 15:29, March 20, 2007

Paisius (Пајсије) was igumen of the Tavna Monastery near Čačak in Serbia, and hierodeacon Abacuk (Авакум) was his brethern in the same monastery. He came few years later from Gomionica Monastery near Banja Luka. As Christians, both were impaled on stakes by the Turks on Kalemegdan in Belgrade on December 17, 1814. Carrying his stake through the streets of Belgrade, the courageous Abacuk sang. When his mother begged him with tears to embrace Islam in order to save his life, this wonderful soldier of Christ replied to her:

"My mother, thank you for your milk,
But for your counsel I thank you not:
There is no faith as beutifull as Christian one
A Serb is Christ's; he rejoices in death.
To day for the Name of Christ."

Even Turks were impressed by his atitude. Turkish governor ordered torterors to gave Abacuk painless death. Тheir feast day is Decmber 17/30.